The Prevalence Of Glycosuria Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic

Abstract 

The research was carried out at Cottage Hospital Ukana, EssienUdim L. G.A where a total number of one hundred (100) pregnant women were screened for glycosuria and two (2) were positive in the first month (October) out of forty (40) and four (4) positive out of sixty (60) in the second month (November) making it a total of a six (6) positive cases out of one hundred (100) samples, leading to a percentage prevalence of 3.2% indicating a low incidence of glycosuria among the pregnant women. Glycosuria is a condition where glucoseis excreted in measurable amount in the urine. Glycosuria occurs when the blood glucose level is abnormally high (above the renal threshold of 160mg to 190mg/dl). During pregnancy, the renal threshold for glucose excretion is lowered. The increase in glomerular filtration rate deliver an over whelming glucose to the renal tubules and thus leads to failure of the tubules to reabsorb all the glucose at the level where this should be possible. Pregnant women with prolonged glycosuria can develop complications such as high blood pressure, pre- eclampsia and future diabetes.

Chapter One

Introduction

        Glycosuria is a condition where glucose is excreted in measurable amount in the urine. Normally, the amount of glucose in the urine is so small such that it is undetectable. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste by products and other compounds out of the blood. The proximal renal tubules in the kidneys reabsorb this glucose and send to back into the body. The body uses glucose (sugar) as fuel for many functions, and the kidneys help to keep it circulating. Glycosuria occurs when the blood glucose level is abnormally high that the renal tubules in  the kidneys are not able to process or reabsorb all the excess glucose thereby causing hyperglycermia.

Glycosuria is more common during pregnancy because of the lowering of the renal threshold. The increase in the glomerular filtration rate delivers an overwhelming glucose load to the renal tubules. Reabsorption, which is normally complete, is thus compromised. Pregnant women with history of glycosuria should be monitored as it can be an early indicator of gestational diabetics. (NICE, 2015).

The renal threshold for glucose ranges from 160mg/dl to 190mg/dl; glycosuria does not occur until blood glucose rises above this level. The most common cause of glycosuria is diabetes mellitus (DM) but occur-after heavy meal, during emotional stress, and during pregnancy. Glycosuria may also occur in individuals receiving total parental nutrition (TPN) when the rate of infusion of glucose exceeds the ability of the pancrease to  produce insulin (WHO, 2012).

Background of the Study

The occurrence of excess of glucose in the urine during pregnancy is sufficient to excite interest, if not alarm. Fortunately, like many other slight abnormalities of metabolism, it rarely gives rise to any serious consequences. There is however, the possibility that glycosuria may be the herald of that dread disease, diabetes mellitus, and the exclusion of this type is therefore warranted.

Moreso, screening for glycosuria among pregnant women in Cottage Hospital Ukana became more necessary as pregnant women are always less tolerant to sugar compared to non pregnanant women.

It has also been found out that some pregnant women prefer regular intake of soft drinks and snacks. Because they taste sweet and off course, diet with high sugar-content shoots up the level of glucose in blood stream which spill into urine  leading to glycosuria.

It therefore pertinent to go into the research to emphasize the progress that has been made in our knowledge of glycosuria, and the factors concerned in its production.

Aims and objectives

• To determine the prevalence of glycosuria among pregnant women in cottage hospital UkanaEssienUdim L.G.A., AKS .
• To know the possible causes of glycosuria in pregnancy.
• To Enligthen the public on the different forms of glycosuria.
• To create awareness to both pregnant women and medical practitioners on glycosuria, its symptoms, method of diagnosis and complications.